August 17, 2002

Another physical game for the Storm.

There are two famous words Seattle Storm players can use to describe the LA Sparks: "Physical Play" and "Foul Call". Lauren Jackson's hip, Kate Starbird's head, Sue Bird's jaw, Kamila Vodichkova's bruises, and the list went on and on. The play worked out fine for LA as they advanced to the second round of the WNBA playoffs.

After the hit early in the game, Lauren Jackson was not playing well. We could feel the pain just by looking at her expression through out the game. It was so unfortunate since the Storm came out strong at the beginning, and they had their chances to take this one away from the defending champion. Despite of being down as much as 15 points, the Storm did not go away easily. Take a look at the following play by play segment from the WNBA.COM:

(3:25) [SEA 50-56] Vodichkova Jump Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Bird (4 AST)
(3:13) [LAS] Teasley Turnover: Bad Pass (4 TO) Steal: Vodichkova (2 ST)
(3:12) [LAS] Milton Foul: Personal (3 PF)
(3:12) [SEA 51-56] Vodichkova Free Throw 1 of 2 (17 PTS)
(3:12) [SEA] Vodichkova Free Throw 2 of 2 missed
(3:11) [SEA] Vodichkova Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
(3:05) [SEA 54-56] Bird Jump Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Vodichkova (2 AST)
(2:48) [LAS] Leslie Layup Shot: Missed
(2:47) [LAS] Milton Rebound (Off:2 Def:6)
(2:46) [LAS 58-54] Milton Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS)
(2:32) [LAS] Leslie Foul: Shooting (4 PF)
(2:32) [SEA 55-58] Jackson Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)
(2:32) [SEA 56-58] Jackson Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)
(2:17) [LAS] Teasley Turnover: Bad Pass (5 TO)
(1:51) [SEA] Marciniak Jump Shot: Missed

Kamila is quite active in this segment. She made a jump shot, steal, drawing a foul for free throws, rebound and assist. Wow! What an effort! She missed the second free throw, but got her own rebound, which was utilized perfectly by Sue Bird with 3 ball. Too bad Michelle Marciniak missed a jump shot, which could have tied the score with less than 2 minutes to play.

No matter how dissapointing this loss was, they did not give up without a fight. They performed better than the first game, and showed everyone the "Heart and Hustle" play of the Seattle Storm. We have to be proud of these talented young teams in the league such as Seattle, Portland, Indiana and Washington. They have made the WNBA more exciting to watch, and even though the veterans still have the edge, they will eventually passed on the torch to lead the way into the future.

Finally, it has been a pleasure for me to witness so many great things in WNBA, especially watching my favorite player, Sue Bird who had awesome years at UConn, having a successful Rookie Year in her professional career leading the Seattle Storm into its first playoffs along with Lauren Jackson and the rest of her new teammates. I am so glad to be part of the fun and excitement! 2002 is my first year following Women's Professional Basketball, and will not be the last as I am looking forward to the next season.

HAVE A GREAT OFF-SEASON AND WATCH OUT FOR THE STORM NEXT YEAR!!!